Thursday, October 30, 2014
Full Moon-Black and White Drawing
Monday, October 27, 2014
Stage 3 Commission
A lot of commissions end up being tweaked to add colors or changes that reflect a clients personal idea. This time a blue/grey was added to tie in the home owners floor and lighting currently in the home and leaves near the top. The family loves the new art and and can't wait to send photos when they have it hung professionally-which I will then hopefully share here!
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Stage 2 Commission
A lot of commissions end up being tweaked to add colors or changes that reflect a clients personal idea. This time a blue/grey was added to tie in the home owners floor and lighting currently in the home and leaves near the top. Stay tuned for more photos.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Stage 1 Commission
A lot of commissions end up being tweaked to add colors or changes that reflect a clients personal idea. This time a blue/grey was added to tie in the home owners floor and lighting currently in the home and leaves near the top. Stay tuned for more photos.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Headdress and Arrows-Original Pencil, Ink and Charcoal-Start To Finish
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Monday, October 13, 2014
Advice For Begining Artists
I have a lot of people from far and near, ask me questions about my business, how to get started etc. This will probably be a very rambling blog. As if you were sitting here and I was talking to you. I tend to call my mind a bunny trail mind, it's just how I work as an artist...The synopsis in my brain never stops firing.
I would make a YouTube video but "Mighty Machines" is playing in the background so this will have to do.
I'm very flattered that people take the time to email me and ask for my advice. I've asked my own fair share of advice to those who were willing to listen and stand by me. Albeit I think it would be a great resource, courtesy of my sisters suggestion, to have something to link to artists who need some encouragement or insight.
So here we are, and welcome.
I use Etsy.com to showcase my original art. Etsy is only for vintage/antiques and artisans-people who make items themselves from start to finish. Etsy has exploded in the past few years as a go to place for unique gifts, home decor, fashion and more. I love to purchase here and I love to be a part of the Etsy community. A lot of TV Producers, museums, businesses and home decor companies go to Etsy to contract fresh new artists and their ideas. What a great place to have your work and be able to be in front of such a revolution, a personal handmade ideal.
When I first decided to open a shop on Etsy it was a bucket list item of mine to set up the store before the year 2011. GOALS. Yes these are important when starting a business. Over time goals may change and evolve as your business does. Listen to your clients, search words that bring you traffic and the market.What is your top selling item? How can you make something like it but unique and grab more peoples attention? etc. Evolving is important.
When I first started packing up art I paid UPS to help me. YIKES. That was an expensive lesson. So then I thought and got smarter and googled how to package art work, thank you YouTube. Very helpful. I also now purchase boxes in bulk off Amazon and other shipping supplies as well. This saves a lot of money and time spent at the PO. Etsy also has shipping options right in your store like Ebay does. If you can, utilize this, it saves time and you can print your shipping labels right at home and then drop off at the post office. This means you need a shipping scale (many options also found on Amazon) but it saves a lot of time and you know your item was packaged right and on time.
Please note if you item is above a certain dimension you will have to go to UPS or FedEx to ship your item. This happens to me a lot with large art work and that is just the name of the game. You can get quotes online though on any shipping website with the correct weight and box dimensions, if you have an account with UPS or FedEx you can also ship online and drop off as well. (just not via Etsy)
Doing what you LOVE is important. If you can't stand behind your business or your brand than how can you expect others to appreciate what you have to offer. Offer quality, good communication and an ideal. A niche. What separates you from others? How are you unique?
I make sure when a client orders custom art that they receive photos during the creation process of me painting their new art. This makes the client feel involved and they get a sneak peak into my studio. I really enjoy sending people photos and make sure I take the extra time to do so. Because in all reality, my clients are the one who took the time for ME to look at my work and decide that what I have to offer is valuable to them. Therefor my clients are invaluable to me.
Do good work, make something that would catch your own eye. It is obvious to most people when someone has taken great care to create an item, package it nicely and ship it in a timely manner. In the business of hand made I get the opportunity to show who I'm, to relate with people who enjoy that and to nurture this universal bond through creativity.
Work hard. Put in those extra hours you don't really want too. Finish that order even though it's late at night. But know when to take a personal day or a break to stay sane. It's all about balance. But if you do not invest in your business or work hard, it will be an even longer journey to whatever your version of sucesss is.
Success. Ah. Something we all want to feel. Everyone's version of success is different. Do you want to quit your day job? Do you just want extra funds to save or to spend? Do you want to get noticed and have art in stores or on television.
WELL. None of that can happen unless you put yourself out there. Get your art (skill, craft etc) out in front of viewers. Make sure you hone the skill of taking a good photograph. I'm still evolving in this area of things and it has taken me a lot of trial and error to find what works best and shows off my work best.
I get a lot of comments of "This is even better in person" which is SO great, I love hearing this. But I feel I will be forever trying to show off in photos the reality of what someone could be holding in their hand.
If you are serious I suggest finding a beginner photography class or product photography session with a professional etc. This will save you a lot of time. I've done neither of this yet but so far I've honed my camera skills to a good point that works for me. If you never try you won't fail-then you won't know what didn't work-if you try and succeed-then you know what did work.
I've had my art in galleries and local stores and I found out that is not something I can keep up with right now or is profitable. As stores.galleries can take a variety of percentage cuts. I use to feel so guilty removing my art from local stores but in the end I have to do what works best for me and my business. I'm thankful and grateful for those opportunities and experiences.
This does not mean a gallery or local store won't work for you. Also remember what works for one artist may not work for another. Everyone has their own journey to go on and adventure to seek. Do new things, keep a notebook with ideas and feel good about what you are doing.
Fast forward 4 years and so much knowledge I've learned from self exploration and being an entrepreneur. I'm excited for the future and growth of my business. My art work has been purchased by businesses around the world, contracted for stores and in museums, GOOGLE headquarters and most importantly is hanging in cozy homes across the globe.
I'm so thankful, my family and friends have been so supportive and helpful. Making others happy with my creations is unbelievably rewarding. Make sure to surround yourself with people who want you to succeed and are positive. A lot of people see you at the top of the mountain but did not notice while you were climbing it. Start climbing..where you want to be gets closer every day.
Do not give up, there are times I thought to myself "what am I trying to do here! ahhh" that is when you step back and take a little break. Working for yourself and doing everything from Point A to Z can be a lot of work. But it is rewarding. Slow and steady DOES win the race!
Good luck, work hard and tell the universe what you want...your version of success is closer than you think.
VL
(Big thanks to everyone who supported me in the beginning of my career, from advice to purchasing some of my first works, you are forever in my heart and speeding me along with new creations)
Etsy Painting Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MyImaginationIsYours
Etsy Drawing Store:https://www.etsy.com/shop/WoodlandMeadows
I would make a YouTube video but "Mighty Machines" is playing in the background so this will have to do.
I'm very flattered that people take the time to email me and ask for my advice. I've asked my own fair share of advice to those who were willing to listen and stand by me. Albeit I think it would be a great resource, courtesy of my sisters suggestion, to have something to link to artists who need some encouragement or insight.
So here we are, and welcome.
I use Etsy.com to showcase my original art. Etsy is only for vintage/antiques and artisans-people who make items themselves from start to finish. Etsy has exploded in the past few years as a go to place for unique gifts, home decor, fashion and more. I love to purchase here and I love to be a part of the Etsy community. A lot of TV Producers, museums, businesses and home decor companies go to Etsy to contract fresh new artists and their ideas. What a great place to have your work and be able to be in front of such a revolution, a personal handmade ideal.
When I first decided to open a shop on Etsy it was a bucket list item of mine to set up the store before the year 2011. GOALS. Yes these are important when starting a business. Over time goals may change and evolve as your business does. Listen to your clients, search words that bring you traffic and the market.What is your top selling item? How can you make something like it but unique and grab more peoples attention? etc. Evolving is important.
When I first started packing up art I paid UPS to help me. YIKES. That was an expensive lesson. So then I thought and got smarter and googled how to package art work, thank you YouTube. Very helpful. I also now purchase boxes in bulk off Amazon and other shipping supplies as well. This saves a lot of money and time spent at the PO. Etsy also has shipping options right in your store like Ebay does. If you can, utilize this, it saves time and you can print your shipping labels right at home and then drop off at the post office. This means you need a shipping scale (many options also found on Amazon) but it saves a lot of time and you know your item was packaged right and on time.
Please note if you item is above a certain dimension you will have to go to UPS or FedEx to ship your item. This happens to me a lot with large art work and that is just the name of the game. You can get quotes online though on any shipping website with the correct weight and box dimensions, if you have an account with UPS or FedEx you can also ship online and drop off as well. (just not via Etsy)
Doing what you LOVE is important. If you can't stand behind your business or your brand than how can you expect others to appreciate what you have to offer. Offer quality, good communication and an ideal. A niche. What separates you from others? How are you unique?
I make sure when a client orders custom art that they receive photos during the creation process of me painting their new art. This makes the client feel involved and they get a sneak peak into my studio. I really enjoy sending people photos and make sure I take the extra time to do so. Because in all reality, my clients are the one who took the time for ME to look at my work and decide that what I have to offer is valuable to them. Therefor my clients are invaluable to me.
Do good work, make something that would catch your own eye. It is obvious to most people when someone has taken great care to create an item, package it nicely and ship it in a timely manner. In the business of hand made I get the opportunity to show who I'm, to relate with people who enjoy that and to nurture this universal bond through creativity.
Work hard. Put in those extra hours you don't really want too. Finish that order even though it's late at night. But know when to take a personal day or a break to stay sane. It's all about balance. But if you do not invest in your business or work hard, it will be an even longer journey to whatever your version of sucesss is.
Success. Ah. Something we all want to feel. Everyone's version of success is different. Do you want to quit your day job? Do you just want extra funds to save or to spend? Do you want to get noticed and have art in stores or on television.
WELL. None of that can happen unless you put yourself out there. Get your art (skill, craft etc) out in front of viewers. Make sure you hone the skill of taking a good photograph. I'm still evolving in this area of things and it has taken me a lot of trial and error to find what works best and shows off my work best.
I get a lot of comments of "This is even better in person" which is SO great, I love hearing this. But I feel I will be forever trying to show off in photos the reality of what someone could be holding in their hand.
If you are serious I suggest finding a beginner photography class or product photography session with a professional etc. This will save you a lot of time. I've done neither of this yet but so far I've honed my camera skills to a good point that works for me. If you never try you won't fail-then you won't know what didn't work-if you try and succeed-then you know what did work.
I've had my art in galleries and local stores and I found out that is not something I can keep up with right now or is profitable. As stores.galleries can take a variety of percentage cuts. I use to feel so guilty removing my art from local stores but in the end I have to do what works best for me and my business. I'm thankful and grateful for those opportunities and experiences.
This does not mean a gallery or local store won't work for you. Also remember what works for one artist may not work for another. Everyone has their own journey to go on and adventure to seek. Do new things, keep a notebook with ideas and feel good about what you are doing.
Fast forward 4 years and so much knowledge I've learned from self exploration and being an entrepreneur. I'm excited for the future and growth of my business. My art work has been purchased by businesses around the world, contracted for stores and in museums, GOOGLE headquarters and most importantly is hanging in cozy homes across the globe.
I'm so thankful, my family and friends have been so supportive and helpful. Making others happy with my creations is unbelievably rewarding. Make sure to surround yourself with people who want you to succeed and are positive. A lot of people see you at the top of the mountain but did not notice while you were climbing it. Start climbing..where you want to be gets closer every day.
Do not give up, there are times I thought to myself "what am I trying to do here! ahhh" that is when you step back and take a little break. Working for yourself and doing everything from Point A to Z can be a lot of work. But it is rewarding. Slow and steady DOES win the race!
Good luck, work hard and tell the universe what you want...your version of success is closer than you think.
VL
(Big thanks to everyone who supported me in the beginning of my career, from advice to purchasing some of my first works, you are forever in my heart and speeding me along with new creations)
Etsy Painting Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MyImaginationIsYours
Etsy Drawing Store:https://www.etsy.com/shop/WoodlandMeadows
HomeGoods and HomeSense USA
This summer my art work (so far) has been purchased by HOMEGOODS in the USA and HOMESENSE in Canada.
I can't believe it escaped my brain to blog about the first stores who purchase my work through my company I'm contracted with. Shame on myself (kind of, I've been so busy creating!) and apologies to those who have been eagerly awaiting more news on this adventure.
The paintings and drawings that follow are the ones currently purchased and at stores:
Pictured above ORIGINAL found HERE: https://www.etsy.com/listing/158502520/in-homegoods-usa-large-36x36-multi-3?ref=shop_home_active_2
Pictured above an ORIGINAL can be commissioned HERE: https://www.etsy.com/listing/205186328/mto-textured-aspen-birch-tree-painting?ref=shop_home_active_22
Pictured above a revised ORIGINAL can be found HERE: https://www.etsy.com/listing/119929544/homegoods-8x10-tribal-feather-art?ref=shop_home_active_10
I signed my contract with (who's company name I'm withholding for my own personal privacy) last November. It takes around a year for the graphics department to go through images, edit and do test runs of products. I received my first royalty this summer in July, so it appears it took a little less then a year for my work to become available. The company I signed with is so nice, very communicative and supportive of my art. They even attach an artist bio and way to contact me on the back of all the art they re produce with my images. This is so great and I'm very thankful for the extra support.
I look forward to more stores ordering re productions of my art work and I even hope that I, or maybe one of you, find my art in a store near by soon. My art work can be re produced on lamp shades, shower curtains, pillows and canvas so the opportunity to see my art in many different forms and uses is a real blessing.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support my original art with your kind words, compliments, emails and purchasing from my Etsy stores. Have an amazing Monday!
Cheers
Victoria Lynn
I can't believe it escaped my brain to blog about the first stores who purchase my work through my company I'm contracted with. Shame on myself (kind of, I've been so busy creating!) and apologies to those who have been eagerly awaiting more news on this adventure.
The paintings and drawings that follow are the ones currently purchased and at stores:
I signed my contract with (who's company name I'm withholding for my own personal privacy) last November. It takes around a year for the graphics department to go through images, edit and do test runs of products. I received my first royalty this summer in July, so it appears it took a little less then a year for my work to become available. The company I signed with is so nice, very communicative and supportive of my art. They even attach an artist bio and way to contact me on the back of all the art they re produce with my images. This is so great and I'm very thankful for the extra support.
I look forward to more stores ordering re productions of my art work and I even hope that I, or maybe one of you, find my art in a store near by soon. My art work can be re produced on lamp shades, shower curtains, pillows and canvas so the opportunity to see my art in many different forms and uses is a real blessing.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support my original art with your kind words, compliments, emails and purchasing from my Etsy stores. Have an amazing Monday!
Cheers
Victoria Lynn
Moon Love
Recent Wedding Gift Commission
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Tuesday, October 7, 2014
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Thursday, October 2, 2014
Start To Finish Indian Feathered Headdress -Behind The Scenes-
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